Critic’s Cupboard: Arm & Hammer Fridge Fresh

Saimi Bergmann: I’m usually not a big fan of taking something that ain’t broke, trying to fix it, then charging double. But in this case, I have to vote yes for the better mousetrap.

We’ve all put a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors. We’ve also forgotten about that little box, long after it stopped absorbing. And many of us have knocked over that box, spilling powder everywhere.

This tidy little disc solves those problems. It doesn’t take up shelf space because it attaches to the wall of the fridge. It can’t spill because it’s wrapped in paper. And it indicates when its smell-b-gone powers have faded.

Spatula Up

Jennifer Mastroianni: In my garage refrigerator is a roasting pan of surprisingly well-preserved yet profoundly pungent pigs-in-the-blanket and sauerkraut left over from New Year’s Eve.

I’ve tried to convince my husband that he is the better candidate to clean it up, being stronger and all. He keeps informing me that I am perfectly capable of lifting a 7-pound pan.

It occured to me, if an Arm & Hammer disc could handle this kind of fridge funk, it could handle everyday aromas from a household refrigerator. I stuck it in, and lo and behold, the reek did diminish in just a day.

About that dirty job. It doesn’t look like either of us is giving in any time soon. This might be a job for Mike Rowe.